Originally Posted by
channa
While I have connected a great deal at MSP and DTW (DTW is great, btw, not sure why MSP is so special), keep in mind my perspective is a Bay Area one. Flying out out SJC in this example, NW has two flights a day, and most people don't even know who NW is, or where they fly. So while the infrastructure may be better, access to that infrastructure is actually worse, as NW's reaccommodation in the event of an irregularity may not be as good.
MSP is "so special" because it doesn't buckle at the knees due to the slightest irregularity. And DTW is a gem across all U.S. airports. MSP should not be knocked because of that unless all other airports are similarly knocked.
Anyway, while I agree that NW has limited service to SJC (and SMF), they certainly have options for offloading passengers onto their partners when necessary. It's the traveler's own fault for not knowing about other options, and if someone is repeatedly dissatisfied with their airline of choice, they should look elsewhere rather than stay in the same dysfunctional relationship.
Happy bumps.